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6/'        LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY   OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Received.. 


• 


PRINCIPLES 


SQUAD    INSTRUCTION 


BROADSWORD. 


BY 

A.  J.    C  O  R  B  E  S  I  E  R; 

SWORD-MASTER  OP   THE  U.  S.  NAVAL  ACADEMY,  ANNAPOLIS,  MD. 


J.    B.    LIPPINCOTT   &   CO. 
1872. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in* the  year  1869,  by 
J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT    &    CO., 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States 
for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


I  HAVE  examined  this  book,  and  find  it  to  be 
what  is  desired  by  beginners  in  broadsword,  and 
strongly  recommend  the  publication  thereof. 

DAYID  D.  PORTER/ 

Vice-Admiral. 


U.  S.  NAVAL  ACADEMY, 

ANNAPOLIS,  N.i>.,Nov.  4,  1868. 

VICE-ADMIRAL  DAVID  D.  PORTER,  U.  S.  K, 
Superintendent 

Sir, — In  obedience  to  your  order  of  October 
28th,  1868,  we  have  carefully  examined  the  work 
entitled  "  Principles  of  Squad  Instruction  in  Broad 
sword  Exercise,"  prepared  by  Mr.  Corbesier,  and 
would  respectfully  recommend  that  it  be  published 
for  use  throughout  the  navy. 
Yery  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servants, 

E.  O.  MATTHEWS,  Lt.  Com. 
EDW.  TERRY,  Lt.  Com. 

S.  P.  GILLETT,  Lt.  Com. 
Approved. 

D.  D.  PORTER,  Vice- Admiral. 

1*  (v) 


INTEODUOTIOK 


THE  design  of  this  work  in  the  "  Broadsword 
Manual"  is  not  to  present  anything  new  or  origi- 
nal, but  simply  to  give,  if  possible,  uniformity  to 
the  exercise  with  a  most  important  weapon  of 
attack  and  defense. 

The  instructions  herein  contained  have  formed, 
during  the  past  two  years,  part  of  the  ''Course  of 
Fencing"  at  the  Naval  Academy;  and  the  good 
results  there  attained  have  induced  the  author  to 
put  the  method  before  the  officers  of  the  navy 
generally. 

p     He  feels  the  more  confident  in  doing  this,  be- 
cause it  seems  to  supply  a  want  long  experienced 

(vii) 


viii  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

by  naval  officers  in  their  instruction  of  the  men. 
To  teach  efficiently,  there  must  be  some  recog- 
nized system;  and,  without  claiming  any  extraor- 
dinary merit  for  this  work,  the  author  feels  it 
will  assist  both  instructor  and  pupil. 


CONTENTS. 


PAQB 

INTRODUCTION ,...     7 

BASIS  OF   INSTRUCTION. 
General  Kules 11 

FIRST  LESSON. 

Attention 15 

Carry  Saber 15 

To  open  Intervals 16 

Half-face 7. 16 

Saber  in  Line 16 

The  Moulinets 17 

To  close  the  Intervals 20 

To  Dismiss 20 

SECOND  LESSON. 

Guard 21 

Advance 22 

Retreat 23 

One  Appel 23 

Develop 23 

The  Head— Cut 24 

Left  Cheek— Cut 25 

(ix) 


x  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Left  Flank— Cut 26 

Thrust 26 

Change  Guard 27 

Eight  Cheek— Cut 27 

Eight  Flank— Cut 28 

The  Head— Parry 28 

Left  Cheek— Parry 29 

Eight  Cheek— Parry 29 

Left  Flank— Parry 30 

Eight  Flank— Parry 31 

Thrust— Parry , 31 

THIED  LESSON. 

About-face — Cover 33 

Guard... 33 

Advance  or  Eetreat  (No.  I  or  2) 33 

Cuts  for  No.  1  (hand  in  tierce) 34 

Cuts  for  No.  2  (hand  in  tierce) 34 

Change  Guard 34 

Cuts  for  No.  1  (hand  in  quarte) 34 

Cuts  for  No.  2  (hand  in  quarte) 35 

ATTACKS  AND  EIPOSTES 35 

Feints 37 

To  Dismiss 39 

PRINCIPAL  EETURNS  AFTER  EACH  PARRY,  AND  THE 
MANNER  or  EXECUTING  THEM 40 

ADDENDA 45 


SABER   EXERCISE. 


THE  object  of  this  method  is  to  facili- 
tate the  instruction  of  the  use  of  the 
sword  in  the  navy. 

GENERAL   RULES. 

1st.  The  instructor  will  never  cause  a 
movement  to  be  executed  before  he  has 
given  the  requisite  explanation,  and  will 
also  execute  it  himself,  in  order  to  com- 
bine example  with  principle. 

2d.  He  will  always  repeat  that  part  of 
the  explanation  which  he  perceives  has 
not  been  understood. 

3d.  He  will  see  that  the  men  take  the 

(11) 


12  SABER  EXERCISE. 

proper  position  and  execute  each  motion 
with  correctness  and  energy,  and  will 
not  allow  them  to  begin  the  more  diffi- 
cult cuts  and  parries  before  they  execute 
the  primary  movements  perfectly. 

4th.  For  the  first  two  lessons,  the  men 
in  each  section  (which  is  composed  of 
twelve)  will  be  placed  in  single  rank,  at 
a  distance  of  four  paces  apart. 

5th.  For  the  third  lesson,  the  division, 
composed  of  twenty-four  men,  will  be 
placed  in  two  such  ranks,  these  ranks 
facing  each  other. 

6th.  The  instructor  will  place  himself 
ten  paces  in  front,  and  opposite  the  cen- 
ter of  the  rank  in  the  first  two  lessons, 
and  on  the  flank  in  the  third  lesson. 

7th.  During  rest,  he  will  explain  to 
the  men  that  the  sword  is  divided  into 
two  parts. 

8th.  The  first  part,  which  is  that  half 


SABER  EXERCISE.  13 

next  to  the  guard,  is  called  "Le  fort"  (or 
defensive),  and  is  used  for  parrying. 

9th.  The  second  part,  which  is  the 
upper  half,  is  called  "Le  faible"  (or  of- 
fensive), and  is  used  for  cutting. 

10th.  "Tierce"  is  that  position  in 
which  the  edge  is  turned  to  the  right 
(nails  downward). 

llth.  "Quarte"  is  that  position  in 
which  the  edge  is  turned  to  the  left 
(nails  upward). 

12th.  The  attack  will  always  be  made 
with  suppleness  of  hand,  without  which 
there  would  result  a  delay  in  coming 
back  on  guard,  and  the  blow  would  not 
have  its  full  effect.  For  example,  take 
a  razor,  and,  by  making  a  cut  down,  the 
wound  would  not  be  so  long  as  that 
caused  by  drawing  the  razor  along  the 
part:  the  same  with  the  saber. 

13th.  The  instructor  will  permit  the 


14  SABER  EXERCISE. 

men  to  rest  two  or  three  times  during 
the  hour,  to  the  command  "In  place — 
rest." 

14th.  At  this  command,  the  men  are 
permitted  to  talk,  but  not  to  move  from 
their  places. 

15th.  When  the  instructor  shall  wish 
to  recommence  the  exercise,  he  will  com- 
mand "Attention!" 

16th.  At  this  command,  the  men  will 
take  the  proper  position,  and  pay  atten- 
tion. 

17th.  The  object  of  the  "moulinet"  is 
to  supple  the  wrist,  and  give  it  strength 
to  manage  the  sword,  to  make  and  parry 
a  cut  quickly,  and  should  therefore  be 
frequently  practiced. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  15 

FIRST  LESSON. 

18th.  The  men  will  be  placed  in  single 
rank,  Shoulder  to  shoulder. 

ATTENTION  ! 

19th.  The  men  will  take  the  position 
of  a  soldier.  The  saber  will  be  in  the 
right  hand,  the  nails  of  the  hand  down, 
the  arm  hanging  naturally,  the  point  of 
the  saber  toward  the  ground,  and  5 
inches  to  the  right  of  the  right  toe,  the 
edge  to  the  right. 

1.  CARRY.     2.  SABER. 
One  time. 

20th.  The  saber  will  be  brought  up  to 
the  right  shoulder,  the  back  of  the  blade 
against  the  hollow  of  the  shoulder,  the 
wrist  resting  against  the  hip,  and  the 
elbow  directly  to  the  rear,  the  little 
finger  on  the  outside  of  the  gripe. 


16  SABER   EXERCISE. 

L    BY  THE  RIGHT  FLANK.        2.    FOUR  PACES,  TAKE 
INTERVALS,       3.    MARCH. 

21st.  Executed  per  Upton's  Tactics, 
Skirmish  Drill. 

22d.  The  instructor  may  take  intervals 
by  the  left  flank,  if  he  desires. 

1.  HALF-FACE.     2.  To  THE  L-EFT. 

One  time  and  one  motion. 

23d.  Make  a  half-face  to  the  left,  turn 
on  the  left  heel  so  as  to  bring  the  right 
foot  pointing  square  to  the  front  and  the 
left  perpendicular  to  it;  drop  the  point 
of  the  saber  so  as  to  bring  it  in  the  pro- 
longation of  the  right  foot,  and  the  edge 
to  the  right;  bend  the  left  arm  so  as  to 
bring  the  left  forearm  horizontal  and  in 
rear  of  the  back;  the  left  hand  closed. 

SABER  IN  LINE. 
One  time. 

24th.    Raise   the   right   hand   to   the 


SABER  EXERCISE  17 

height  and  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder, 
and  bring  the  saber  and  the  arm  in  the 
same  horizontal  line,  the  edge  up,  the 
nails  turned  to  the  left  (position  of 
tierce).  (PI.  1.) 

25th.  From  this  position  the  men  will 
execute  the  "moulinets." 

1.  LEFT.     2.  MOULINET. 
One  time. 

26th.  (Hand  in  Tierce.]  At  the  com- 
mand "Moulinet!"  the  point  of  the  saber 
must  be  dropped  and  brought  up  again 
to  the  rear,  grazing  the  left  shoulder, 
back  to  its  original  position,  thus  de- 
scribing a  complete  circle.  (PL  1.) 

1.  RIGHT.     2.  MOULINET. 

One  time. 

27tli.  (Hand  in  Quarte.)  Executed  the 
same  as  the  last,  except  that  the  circle  is 


18  SAB  EH  EXERCISE. 

described  to  the  right  of  the  arm  instead 
of  the  left.   (PL  2.) 

28th.  Execute  the  "moulinets"  quickly 
in  succession,  without  stopping  between. 

1.  LEFT  AND  RIGHT.     2.  MOULINET. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

29th.  Execute  first  the  left  and  then 
the  right  "moulinet,"  without  stopping 
between,  as  per  Rules  28  and  29.  (PI.  1.) 

30th.  If  the  instructor  wishes  to  begin, 
with  the  right,  he  will  command: 

1.  RIGHT  AND  LEFT.     2.  MOULINET. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

31st.  The  same  as  in  Rule  29,  except 
beginning  with  the  right  instead  of  the 
left  "moulinet."  (PL  2.) 

1.  LEFT  FLANK.     2.  MOULINET. 
One  time  and  one  motion. 

32d.   (Hand  in  Tierce.}   Bring  the  point 


SABER  EXERCISE.  ig 

of  the  sword  up,  and  then  down  to  the 
rear,  grazing  the  left  shoulder,  then  de- 
scribing a  complete  circle  in  the  opposite 
direction  from  "left  moulinet.".  (PL  1.) 

1.  RIGHT  FLANK.     2.  MOULINET. 
One  time  and  one  motion. 

33d.  (Hand  in  Quarte.)  Executed  in 
the  same  way  as  "left  flank  moulinet," 
except  that  the  circle  is  described  to  the 
right  of  the  arm.  (PL  2.) 

34th.  Execute  the  "  moulinets"  with- 
out stopping  between. 

1.  LEFT  AND  RIGHT  FLANK.     2.  MOULINET. 

One  time  and  two  motions. 

35th.  (Hand  in  Tierce.}  Same  as  per 
Rule  29,  substituting  the  flank  for  the 
simple  "moulinet."  (PL  1.) 

36th.  If  the  instructor  wishes  to  com- 
mence with  the  right,  he  will  command: 


20  SABER  EXER  C1SE. 

1.  RIGHT  AND  LEFT  FLANK.     2.  MOULINET, 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

37th.  Executed  the  same  as  per  Rule 
31,  substituting  the  flank  for  the  simple 
moulinet.  (PL  2.) 

38th  The  instructor  should  cause  tae 
moulinet  to  be  executed  with  the  wrist, 
without  bending  the  arm. 

39th.  The  instructor  wishing  to  close 
the  ranks,  will  command  : 

CARRY — SABER! 
As  it  is  prescribed  in  No.  20. 

1.  BY  THE  RIGHT  FLANK.     2.  C.LOSE  INTERVALS. 
3.  MARCH. 

40th.  Executed  as  per  Upton's  Tactics, 
Skirmish  Drill. 

41st.  The  instructor  wishing  to  dis- 
miss the  section,  will  command : 

1.  BREAK  RANKS.     2.  MARCH. 
42d.   At  this  command,  the  men  will 


SABER  EXERCISE.  21 

break  ranks,  and  return  the  swords  to 
their  proper  places. 

43d.  After  the  "moulinets"  have  been 
well  executed,  he  will  pass  over  to  the 
second  lesson. 

SECOND  LESSON. 

44th.  The  section  being  in  single  rank, 
at  a  distance  of  four  paces  apart,  at  a 
half-face  to  the.  left,  and  the  instructor 
wishing  to  begin,  will  command  : 

GUARD — (in  tierce). 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

45th.  (1st  Motion.)  Bring  the  sword 
quickly  up,  the  point  as  high  as  and 
opposite  the  left  eye,  the  hand  as  high 
as  and  opposite  the  nipple  of  the  right 
breast  (hand  in  tierce),  the  arm  half 
bent,  the  elbow  in  line  with  the  right 
hip  and  3  inches  to  the  front  of  it, 


22  SABER  EXERCISE. 

the  left  forearm  in  rear  of  the  back. 
(Pig.  1,  PL  3.) 

46th.  (2d  Motion.)  Bend  both  legs ;  ad- 
vance the  right  foot  24  inches  before  the 
left  foot,  the  knees  bent  out,  the  heels  in 
line,  the  left  shoulder  thrown  back,  the 
weight  of  the  body  resting  a  little  more 
on  the  left  leg. 

47th.  The  guard  "in  quarte"  is  taken 
the  same  way,  except  that  the  fingers  are 
up,  the  edge  of  the  sword  to  the  left. 
(Fig.  2,  PI.  3.) 

48th.  When  the  men  are  in  this  posi- 
tion, he  will  cause  them  to  advance  and 
retreat,  which  manoeuvre  he  will  repeat 
frequently,  in  order  to  produce  facility  of 
movement  and  increase  agility  of  motion. 
To  this  effect,  he  will  command : 

ADVANCE! 
4 9 th.  Advance  the  right  foot  12  inches, 


SABER   EXERCISE.  23 

the  foot  grazing  the  ground;  follow  quickly 
with  the  left. 

RETREAT ! 

50th.  Retreat  the  left  foot  12  inches, 
and  follow  quickly  with  the  right,  graz- 
ing either  foot  on  the  ground,  and  bring- 
ing down  the  right  foot  with  a  stamp. 

51st.  The  men  having  executed  in 
succession  the  advance  and  retreat,  the 
instructor  will  cause  the  stamp  of  the 
right  foot,  so  as  to  bring  the  weight  of 
the  body  on  the  left  leg. 

ONE  APPEL. 

52d.  Consisting  in  stamping  the  ground 
with  the  right  foot  flat,  without  moving 
or  raising  the  body. 

DEVELOP, 

53d.  Advance  the  right  foot  24  inches, 
grazing  the  ground,  at  the  same  time 


24  SABER   EXERCISE. 

straighten  the  left  leg,  keeping  the  left 
foot  in  its  position,  flat  on  the  ground, 
the  right  knee  direct  to  the  front,  and 
the  right  foreleg  vertical;  the  body  and 
head  erect. 

54th.  In  order  to  come  back  on  guard, 
it  is  first  necessary  to  bring  the  weight 
of  the  body  back,  by  bending  the  left 
leg,  then  bring  back  the  right  foot  to  its 
original  position. 

In  the  following  commands,  the  part 
of  the  body  named  will  be  the  command 
of  caution,  and  the  word  "cut"  the  com- 
mand of  execution: 

1.    AT  THE  HEAD.       2.    CUT. 

One  time. 

55th.  Drop  the  point  of  the  saber,  and 
make  a  complete  circle  with  it  quickly, 
as  in  the  "left  moulinet,"  bringing  down 
saber  with  the  edge  down,  at  the 


SABER  EXERCISE.  25 

same  time  stretching  the  right  arm  to  its 
full  extent,  the  hand  at  the  height  of 
the  forehead  and  opposite  the  eye;  the 
point  of  the  saber  directly  to  the  front 
of  and  3  inches  lower  than  the  hand, 
the  thumb  flat  along  the  handle.  (Fig.  1, 
PL  4.) 

1.  LEFT  CHEEK.     2.  CUT. 
One  time. 

56th.  Bring  back  the  wrist  3  inches, 
so  as  to  be  just  able  to  pass  over  the  point 
of  your  opponent's  sword;  at  the  same 
time  turn  your  nails  up,  so  as  to  bring 
the  edge  to  the  left,  and  straighten  your 
right  arm  to  its  full  extent,  thus  cutting 
at  the  left  cheek  by  taking  the  position 
of  attack,  the  right  hand  as  high  as  the 
right  eye,  taking  opposition  in  carrying 
the  hand  to  the  left.  (Fig.  1,  PL  5.) 


26  SABER   EXERCISE. 

1.  LEFT  FLANK  2.  CUT. 
57th.  Executed  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  last,  except  cutting  at  the  height  of 
the  left  flank,  immediately  above  the  hip, 
which  is  done  by  holding  the  sword  hori- 
zontal, and  the  hand  as  high  as  the  right 
nipple,  taking  opposition  in  carrying  the 
hand  to  the  left.  (Fig.  1,  PL  6.) 

THRUST! 

One  time  and  one  motion. 

58th.  Drop  the  point  under  the  op- 
ponent's sword,  at  the  same  time  turning 
the  hand  as  in  24,  the  edge  up;  stretch 
the  arm  to  its  full  extent,  and  point  the 
sword  at  the  opponent's  right  nipple ;  the 
hand  as  high  as  your  left  eye,  and  taking 
opposition  to  the  left,  by  pressing  the 
hand  and  sword  in  that  direction.  (Fig. 
1,  PL  7.) 

59th.  The  movements  of  55,  56,  57, 
58,  are  executed  for  tierce  engagement. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  27 

60th.  In  order  to  execute  the  one 
which  will  be  described  in  62  and  66, 
the  instructor  will  cause  the  men  to 
change  guard,  to  which  effect  he  will 

command : 

CHANGE  GUARD  ! 
One  time  and  one  motion. 

61st.  At  this  command,  the  men  will 
take  the  guard  "in  quarte,"  by  turning 
the  knuckles  down,  so  as  to  make  the 
sword  edge  to  the  left. 

1.  RIGHT  CHEEK.      2.  CUT. 
One  time  and  one  motion. 

62d.  Draw  back  the  wrist  3  inches, 
so  as  to  make  the  sword  just  pass  over 
that  point  of  your  opponent,  at  the  same 
time  turning  the  knuckles  up,  so  as  to 
bring  the  edge  to  the  right,  stretching 
out  the  arm  bent  in  this  way  as  high  as 
the  cheek,  the  hand  as  high  as  the  left 
eye.  (Fig.  1,  PL  8.) 


28  SABER  EXERCISE. 

1.  RIGHT  FLANK.      2.  CUT. 

One  time  and  one  motion. 

63d.  Executed  in  the  same  way  as  the 
last,  except  cutting  at  the  right  flank, 
immediately  above  the  hip,  which  is  done 
by  holding  the  sword  horizontal  and  the 
hand  as  high  as  the  left  nipple.  In  both 
the  above  motions,  take  opposition  to  the 
right,  by  pressing  the  sword  in  that  direc- 
tion.* (Fig.  1,  PI.  9.) 

64th.  In  order  to  make  the  parries, 
the  instructor  should  cause  the  men  to 
take  guard  of  tierce. 

1.  HEAD.     2.  PARRY. 
One  time. 

65th.  Bring  the  sword  quickly  above 
the  head,  and  hold  it  with  as  much  firm- 
ness as  possible,  the  arm  half  bent,  the 

*  The  develop  must  always  be  executed  with 
all  these  cuts. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  29 

edge  up,  the  blade  3  inches  in  front 
of  and  above  the  head,  the  hand  oppo- 
site the  right  ear,  the  point  to  the  left, 
and  4  inches  lower  than  the  hand,  the 
thumb  flat  along  the  handle.  (Fig.  2, 

PI.  4.) 

1.  LEFT  CHEEK.     2.  PARRY. 

One  time. 

66th.  Bring  the  sword  quickly  to  the 
left,  and  hold  it  with  as  much  firmness 
as  possible,  the  elbow  supported  against 
the  right  hip,  the  edge  to  the  left,  the 
blade  5  inches  to  the  front  and  left  of 
the  left  ear,  the  sword  vertical,  with 
the  point  up,  the  hand  opposite  and  3 
inches  from  the  left  shoulder,  the  thumb 
flat  on  the  handle.  (Fig.  2,  PI.  5.) 

1.  RIGHT  CHEEK.     2.  PARRY. 

One  time. 

67th.  Bring  the  sword  quickly  to  the 
right,  and  hold  it  with  as  much  firmness 
3* 


30  SABER  EXERCISE. 

as  possible,  at  the  same  time  turning  the 
hand,  so  as  to  bring  the  edge  to  the 
right,  the  blade  5  inches  to  the  front 
and  right  of  the  right  ear,  the  elbow 
close  against  the  body,  the  hand  oppo- 
site and  4  inches  from  the  right  shoulder, 
the  sword  vertical,  with  the  point  up, 
the  thumb  flat  along  the  handle.  (Fig.  2, 

PL  8.) 

1.  LEFT  FLANK.     2.  PARRY. 

One  time. 

68th.  Drop  the  point  and  carry  the 
sword  to  the  left  side,  the  blade  6  inches 
from  the  body,  the  point  down,  the  edge 
to  the  left,  the  hand  as  high  as  the  nip- 
ple, and  opposite  to  and  4  inches  from 
the  left  flank,  the  elbow  in  a  straight  line 
with  the  hand,  the  thumb  flat  along  the 
handle,  the  point  pointing  slightly  to- 
ward the  front,  so  as  to  bring  the  sword 
and  back  of  the  hand  in  one  straight 
line.  (Fig.  2,  PI.  6  ) 


SABER  EXERCISE.  31 

1.  RIGHT  FLANK.     2.  PARRY. 

69th.  Drop  the  point  and  carry  the 
sword  quickly  to  the  right  of  the  right 
knee,  the  point  down  and  pointing 
toward  the  ground,  at  about  3  inches 
to  the  front  and  right  of  the  right  foot, 
so  as  to  bring  the  sword  in  one  straight 
line  with  the  back  of  the  hand,  the  edge 
to  the  right,  the  blade  6  inches  from  the 
body,  the  hand  as  high  as  and  2  inches 
above  the  belt,  the  elbow  to  the  rear, 
and  the  thumb  flat  along  the  handle. 
(Fig.  2,  PI.  9.) 

1.  THRUST.     2.  PARRY. 
One  time  and  two  motions. 

70th.  Drop  your  point  to  the  right  of 
your  opponent's  sword,  and  press  with 
"le  fort"  of  your  sword  «le  faible"  of 
your  opponent's,  so  as  to  throw  the  point 
to  the  left  of  your  body,  and  bring  your- 


32  SABER  EXERVISE. 

self  to  the  position  of  "Left  flank  — 
Parry/'  except  having  the  hand  a  little 
higher.  (Fig.  2,  PL  7.) 

71st.  After  each  "attack"  or  "parry," 
the  instructor  will  command,  "On  Guard/' 
in  order  to  bring  the  men  back  in  posi- 
tion. 

72d.  The  instructor  will  close  the  rank 
after  this  lesson,  as  prescribed  in  Les- 
son L,  Rules  40  and  42, 

THIRD  LESS03ST. 

73d.  The  division  being  in  two  ranks, 
closed,  the  instructor  will  execute  what 
is  described  in  Rules  19,  2.0,  21. 

74th.  He  will  then  open  the  ranks  as 
in  21  and  22. 

75th,  In  this  lesson  the  front  rank 
will  be  called  No.  1,  and  the  rear  No.  2. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  3$ 

No.  I. — 1.  ABOUT  FACE.     2.  COVER. 

76th.  At  the  first  command,  No.  1 
faces  about. 

77th.  At  the  second  command,  both 
ranks  will  make  a  half-face  to  the  left, 
per  Rule  23,  directly  opposite  to  each 

other. 

OUARD! 
One  time  and  two  motions* 

78th.  As  explained  in  Rule  45;  but' 
in  this  lesson  the  two  motions  are  to 
be  made  without  separate  commands. 

79th.  The  instructor  will  place  him- 
self in  a  position  where  he  can  see  both 
ranks,  and  cause  the  men  to  obey  the 
following  commands: 

No.  1. — ADVANCE  (or  RETREAT). 

80th.  At  this  command,  No.  1  ad- 
vances (or  retreats),  and  No.  2  executes 
just  the  opposite,  at  the  same  time. 


34  SABER  EXERCISE. 

No.  1.— At  the  head—Cut — Guard. 
"  "  left  cheek— Cut— Guard. 
"  "  left  flank— Cut— Guard. 
"  Thrust— Guard. 

81st.  The  instructor  will  cause  No.  2 
to  make  the  correct  parry  when  No.  1 
makes  the  above  cuts  at  him. 

No.  2. — ADVANCE  (or  RETREAT). 
82d.  Same  remarks  as  in  Rule  80. 

No.  2. — At  the  head— Cut— Guard. 
"  "   left  eheek— Cut— Guard. 

"  "  left  flank— Cut— Guard. 

"         Thrust— Guard. 

83d.  Same  remarks  for  No.  1.  as  for 
No.  2  in  Rule  81. 

No.  1  (or  2). — CHANGE  GUARD 
One  time  and  one  motion. 

84th.  The  number  indicated  draws 
back  the  wrist  of  his  sword  3  inches, 


SABER  EXERCISE.  35 

so  as  to  just  pass  over  the  point  of  his 
opponent's  sword;  at  the  same  time  both 
ranks  turn  the  knuckles  down,  so  as  to 
make  the  edge  touch  (position  of  quarte). 

85th.  No.  1.— Right  cheek— Cut— Guard. 
"         Right  flank— Cut— Guard. 

86th,  The  same  attacks  for  No.  2,  and 
the  same  remarks  for  both  as  in  Rule 
81. 

ATTACKS  AND  EIPOSTES. 

87th.  No.  1. — At  the  head— Cut. 
"   left  cheek— Cut. 
"          "   left  flank— Cut. 
.    "         Thrust— Cut. 

2. — Parry  and  cut,  left  flank — March — Guard. 
"  "        right  flank — March — Guard. 

"  "        head — March — Guard. 

left  cheek— March— Guard. 

88th.  Cause  No.  2  to  make  the  same 
attacks  and  No.  1  the  same  ripostes. 


36  SABER  EXERCISE. 

89th.  The  instructor  will  cause  either 
No.  1  or  No.  2  to  change  guard  for  the 
following  exercise,  as  in  Rule  84. 

90th.  No.  1.— Right 'cheek— Cut. 
"  flank— Cut. 
2. — Parry  and  cut,  left  flank — March — Guard. 

"  "       head — March — Guard. 

"  "       left  cheek— March— Guard. 

91st.  Cause  No.  2  to  make  the  same 
attacks  and  No.  1  the  same  ripostes. 

92d.  The  instructor  will  pay  particular 
attention  to  see  that  all  the  movements 
are  executed  correctly,  especially  the  at- 
tacks and  ripostes.  Most  of  the  men 
will  not  make  the  attacks  fully,,  and  will 
not  stretch  the  left  leg  well ;  others  will 
not  make  the  "parries"  properly.  The 
instructor  will  make  the  attacking  party 
remain  on  a  lunge  until  he  has  corrected 
all  the  positions. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  37 

FEINTS. 

93d.  In  making  a  feint,  it  is  necessary 
to  stretch  the  arm  to  its  full  extent/ and 
go  through  the  motion  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  with  a  cut,  so  as  to  oblige  the  oppo- 
nent to  parry, — the  only  difference  being 
in  not  moving  the  body  in  a  feint,  but 
only  going  through  the  complete  motion 
with  the  arm. 

94th.  At  first  the  instructor  will  cause 
the  men  to  make  the  feints  by  the  mo- 
tions, to  the  command  "One,"  "Two." 
At  the  first  the  feint,  and  at  the  second 
the  attack  is  made. 

Example — Feint  at  the  Head. 
Cut — left  cheek. 

95th.  At  the  command  "One,"  a  feint 
is  made  at  the  head,  and  at  the  com- 
mand "Two,"  the  cut  at  the  left  flank. 
4 


38  SABER  EXERCISE. 

96th.  More  than  two  feints  should 
never  be  made. 

97th.  No.  1.— Feint  at  the  head— Cut,  left  flank 
— March — Guard. 

"  Feint  at  left  cheek— Cut,  right 
flank — March — Guard. 

"  Feint  at  left  flank — Cut,  head- 
March — Guard. 

"  Feint  at  thrust — Cut,  head — 
March — Guard; 

"  Feint  at  left  cheek — Cut,  right 
cheek — March — Guard. 

98th.  The  same  as  above  for  No.  2. 

99th.  The  instructor  will  cause  the 
men  to  take  the  guard  of  "quarte"  for 
the  following  motions : 

100th.  No.  1.—  Feint  at  right  flank— Cut,  left 

cheek — March — Guard. 
Feint  at  right  cheek— Cut,  left 

flank — March — Guard. 
"         Feint  at  right  cheek— Cut,  left 
cheek — March — Guard. 


SABEK  EXERCISE.  39 

No.  2  will  execute  the  same. 

101st.  The  instructor  will  finish  up 
with  some  simple  cuts,  and  "  advancing 
and  retreating." 

102d.  The  instructor  wishing  to  close 
the  ranks,  will  command : 

No.  1 — ABOUT  FACE. 
103d.  Executed  as  in  76. 

1.  CLOSE  ORDER.     2.  MARCH. 
101th.  Execute  per  Upton's  Tactics. 

2.  BY  THE  RIGHT  (or  LEFT)  FLANK — CLOSE  IN« 
TERVALS.     2.  MARCH. 

105th.  Same  as  in  40. 
1.  RIGHT  FACE.     2.  BREAK  RANKS.     3.  MARCH, 


PEmCIPAL  BETHELS 

AFTEK  EACH  PAKKY,  AND  THE  MANNEK  OF 
EXECUTING  THEM. 


AFTER   THE   PARRY   OP   HEAD. 

1.  Cut   left  flank. — Describe    a   circle 
with  the  point  above  the  head,  the  point 
first  going  to  the  rear,  without  disturb- 
ing the  position  of  the  hand,  then  turn 
the  nails  up,  the  edge  to  the  left,  and 
execute  the  blow  per  Rule  58. 

2.  Cut   left  cheeJc. — Executed   as   the 
last,  only  instead  of  cutting  at  the  "left 
flank"  cut  at  the  "left  cheek,"  per  Rule 
57. 

AFTER   THE   PARRY   OF   RIGHT   CHEEK. 

Cut  left  flank. — Drop  the  point  quickly 
to  the  rear,  without  deranging  the  posi- 
(40) 


SABER  EXERCISE.  41 

tion  of  the  hand,  so  as  to  bring  the 
sword  parallel  to  and  below  that  of  the 
assailant.  This  will  bring  the  nails 
up,  the  edge  to  the  right,  from  which 
position  cut  at  the  left  flank,  the  sword 
passing  under  that  of  the  opponent. 
(Rule  58.) 

AFTER   THE   PARRY   OF   LEFT   CHEEK. 

1.  Cut   right  flanlt. — Drop   the   point 
quickly  to  the  rear,  without  deranging 
the  position  of  the  hand,  so  as  to  bring 
the  sword  parallel  to  and  below  that  of 
the  assailant.     This  will  bring  the  nails 
down,  the  edge  to  the  left,  from  which 
position  cut  at  the  right  flank,  the  sword 
passing    under    that    of   the    opponent. 
(Rule  64.) 

2.  Cut   right   cheek. — Pass   the   sword 
quickly   along   the   inside   of  the  oppo- 
nent's blade,  at  the  same  time  stretch 

4* 


42  SABER  EXERCISE. 

the  arm,  turn  the  knuckles  up,  the  edge 
to  the  right,  and  execute  the  cut  per 
Rule  63. 

AFTER   THE   PARRY   OP  LEFT   FLANK. 

1.  Cut  at  the  head. — Make  the  point 
describe  a  circle  similar  to  that  of  "left 
moulinet,"  using   the  wrist   alone,  then 
stretch  the  arm  and  execute  the  cut  per 
Rule  64. 

2.  The  cut  at  the  left  cheek  can  be 
made    in   the   same   manner;    also   the 
"thrust,"   if  the   attack   is   made  with 
the    hand    too    high,   by   pointing    the 
sword  toward  the  right  nipple ;  and  the 
cut  at  "right  cheek"  can  be  made,  if 
the  attack  is  made  with  the  hand  too 
low,   by  drawing    back    the  wrist   and 
then  passing  over  the  opponent's  sword. 


SABER  EXERCISE.  43 

AFTER   THE    PARRY   OP   RIGHT   FLANK. 

1.  Cut  at  the  head. — Bring  the  sword 
inside  the  right  knee,   and  then  finish 
as  in  cutting  at  head  from  "left  flank, 
parry." 

2.  Cut  at  left  cheek,  if  the  attack  is 
made  with  the  hand  too  low,  by  passing 
over   the    opponent's    sword,    and    then 
stretching   the  .arms   quickly,  nails  up, 
edge  to  the  left,  as  per  Rule  57. 

NOTE. — Generally  the  cut  at  the  flank  is  made 
at  the  lower  part  of  the  leg  instead  of  the  flank, 
and  in  that  case  the  best- parry  is  to  draw  back 
the  right  foot  quickly  against  the  left,  at  the  same 
time  stretching  the  arm,  bringing  the  sword  in 
line  (edge  down)  and  cutting  at  the  head,  without 
defending  one's  self  otherwise. 

Sometimes  the  cut  at  the  lower  part  of  the  leg 
is  made  only  for  a  feint,  in  order  to  parry  the 
head,  without  drawing -back  the  right  leg  from 
the  position  of  attack,  and  finally  returning  the 


44  SABER  EXERCISE. 

left  flank  from   the  position   with   almost  sure 
success. 

In  this  case  the  party  attacked  should  not  cut 
at  the  head,  but  only  feint  at  it,  and  then  cut 
"  left  flank." 

AFTER   THE   PARRY   OF   THRUST. 

Cut  at  the  head. — In  the  same  manner 
as  from  parry  of  left  flank. 

CUT   AT    THE    FOREARM. 

In  order  to  parry  this  cut,  throw  the 
point  quickly  to  the  right,  by  moving 
the  wrist  two  (2)  inches  in  that  direc- 
tion, and  turning  the  nails  up,  and  edge 
to  the  left,  then  stretch  the  arm,  and 
return  by  a  cut  at  "left  cheek."  (PL  10.) 


ADDENDA. 


AFTER  having  finished  the  instruction 
in  the  book,  it  is  beneficial  for  the  men 
to  practice  the  following  lessons,  com- 
posed of  attacks  and  ripostes,  so  as  to 
get  used  to  make  assaults  between  them- 
selves : 

FIRST   LESSON. 

No.  1. — At  the  head — Cut. 
"    2.— Left  cheek— Cut. 
«    l._Rjght  flank— Cut. 
"    2.— At  the  head— Cut. 
"    1.— Left  flank— Cut. 

SECOND   LESSON. 

No.  1.— Left  cheek— Cut. 
"    2  —Right  flank— Cut. 
«    l._At  the  head— Cut. 
"    2.— Left  flank— Cut. 

(45) 


46  SABER  EXERCISE. 

THIRD    LESSON. 

No.  1.— Left  flank— Cut. 
"    2.— At  the  head— Cut. 
"    1.— Left  flank— Cut. 

FOURTH   LESSON. 

No.  1. — Advance. 
«    2.— Thrust. 
"    \.-At  the  head— Cut. 
<•    2.— Left  flank— Cut. 

FIFTH   LESSON. 

No.  1.— Feint   at   the   left    cheek— Cut,   right 

cheek. 

«    2.— Left  flank— Cut. 
«    l._At  the  head— Cut. 
«    2. — Feint  at  the  left  flank— at  the  head 
—Cut. 

SIXTH   LESSON. 

No.  1. — Feint  at  the  head — Cut,  left  flank. 
"    2. — At  the  head— Cut. 
"    1.— Left  flank— Cut. 

NOTE. — This  last  exercise  is  one  of  the  most 
essential,  but  it  is  necessary  before  commencing- 


SABER  EXERCISE.  47 

it  to  understand  each  separate  part  well,  and 
execute  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  it  its  full 
effect;  if  these  blows  are  made  quickly,  in  suc- 
cession, without  letting  them  be  learned  well  in 
detail,  the  instruction  will  result  in  failure.  The 
striker  will,  if  the  blows  are  made  too  quickly  in 
succession,  have  to  come  back  on  "parry"  before 
the  blow  is  executed,  and  therefore  at  the  expense 
of  it,  and  also  of  the  guard,  to  which  he  will  not 
have  time  to  come  properly. 

The  reader  will  therefore  see  that,  in  order  to 
give  the  attacking  party  chance  of  success,  each 
motion  must  be  executed  fully  and  deliberately. 


PLATli   II. 


RIGHT  MOULINET. 


8 


H 


3 

*3 
W 


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